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OCGA Hit and Run: Can You File a Lawsuit? | Car Accident Lawyer (Duluth, GA)

Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. |
An image showing an OCGA hit and run in Duluth, GA.

Hit and run accidents in Georgia are governed by Section 40-6-270 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA). Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. in Duluth, GA helps victims navigate hit and run cases and pursue compensation for injuries and damages. After a hit and run, call the police, wait for an officer, and file an accident report. The police investigation includes gathering evidence, witness statements, photographs, and video footage. Understanding rights and legal options after a hit and run is essential for Duluth, GA residents. Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. offers guidance and representation to seek maximum compensation after hit and runs.

OCGA Hit and Run: What You Need to Know

  • Georgia law requires drivers to stop, provide information, and assist injured parties in accidents.
  • Victims should gather evidence, obtain medical attention, and file a police report after a hit and run.
  • Legal representation can help navigate complex laws and negotiate with insurance companies.
  • Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. offers expert guidance for hit and run victims in Duluth and Metro Atlanta.
  • Compensation in hit and run cases may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Hit and run accidents can leave victims feeling helpless and frustrated. Understanding your rights and legal options after a hit and run can lead you to seek damages for compensation after becoming a victim.

About Section 40-6-270 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA)

Image showing a lawyer with documents and showing the OCGA § 40-6-270.

Understanding Section 40-6-270 of the OCGA is important for anyone involved in a hit and run accident in Georgia. This significant statute outlines specific legal obligations for drivers involved in car accidents and establishes severe penalties for those who fail to comply.

When a hit and run accident occurs, drivers are legally required to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene, provide reasonable assistance to any injured person, and share essential information with other involved parties.

At Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., we assist clients in navigating the complexities of hit and run cases, making sure their rights are protected under Georgia law. Call us now at (404) 581-9100 so we can hear your case with no obligations.

Breakdown of OCGA § 40-6-270

Image showing a person injured after a Georgia hit and run.

Here are the key provisions that every Georgia resident should understand about this statute:

  • Under OCGA § 40-6-270, any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must stop at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic and must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to the injured person or property owner. If the other driver appears deceased or is unable to receive the information, the driver must contact local law enforcement immediately.
  • The law mandates that drivers must render reasonable assistance to any injured person, including arranging for emergency medical services or transportation for medical or surgical treatment when it becomes apparent that such treatment is necessary or when requested by the injured person.
  • Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious legal consequences, including misdemeanor charges for minor incidents and felony charges for accidents involving serious injury or death, with penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to up to five years imprisonment for a third or subsequent conviction.
  • A hit and run conviction can lead to mandatory driver’s license suspension, with the duration varying based on whether it’s classified as a misdemeanor or felony and whether there are previous convictions within a five-year period.

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident as a victim, contact Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. at (404) 581-9100 for a free consultation to understand your rights and legal options.

7 Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Duluth, Georgia

Image showing a person on the phone calling the police afte a hit and run.

Here are the critical actions you should take immediately after a hit and run incident:

  1. Make sure you are safe and call 911 immediately and move your vehicle out of traffic if possible while waiting for local law enforcement to arrive.
  2. Document the accident scene by gathering evidence, including photographs of vehicle damage, collecting witness statements, and noting any details about the hit and run driver or their vehicle.
  3. Seek immediate medical or surgical treatment, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident.
  4. File an accident report with the police officer at the scene or visit your local law enforcement agency if they don’t respond.
  5. Contact your insurance company to report the incident and discuss potential uninsured motorist claims.
  6. Preserve all evidence related to your personal injury claims, including medical records, photos, and witness contact information.
  7. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced hit and run attorney who can help protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation.

Don’t face the aftermath of a hit and run accident alone—contact Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. today to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

Grounds to File a Lawsuit After a Hit and Run in Duluth, GA

Image showing a person talking with a lawyer after being a victim of a hit and run offense.

Under Georgia law, victims of hit and run accidents have specific legal rights to pursue compensation through personal injury claims. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, leaving injured parties without assistance or insurance information, victims can face significant medical expenses and property damage.

Here are the primary grounds for filing a lawsuit after a hit and run incident:

  • Serious injury or death resulting from the accident, which can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs, particularly when the at-fault driver fails to provide reasonable assistance.
  • Property damage to vehicles or other personal property, including circumstances involving an unattended vehicle where the hit and run driver failed to make a reasonable effort to contact the owner.
  • Emotional distress and pain and suffering caused by the defendant’s conduct in leaving the scene of the accident without fulfilling their legal obligations under OCGA hit and run statutes.
  • Additional damages when the hit and run driver is identified and found to have prior convictions or was under the influence at the time of the accident.

Victim of a Hit and Run? Contact Us Now

Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. in Duluth, GA, offers expert guidance and representation for those affected by hit and run incidents. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and pursue fair compensation.

Don’t face this challenging situation alone – reach out to us today:

OCGA Hit and Run FAQs

What is the OCGA code for hit and run?

The primary statute governing hit and run in Georgia is OCGA § 40‑6‑270, found in Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 6 (Uniform Rules of the Road), Article 12 (Accidents). This section establishes the legal duties of a driver involved in an accident and the penalties for failing to comply.

What compensation can I recover in a hit and run lawsuit?

Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The amount varies based on injury severity and long-term impacts. At Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., we work to secure fair compensation for Duluth, GA, accident victims, considering all aspects of their cases.

How long do I have to file a hit and run lawsuit in Georgia?

The statute of limitations is generally two years from the incident date. If you fail to file your claim within the designated period, you may lose your opportunity to pursue compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer quickly to protect your legal rights and build a strong case.

Where can I find a hit and run accident lawyer in Duluth?

Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 600, Duluth, GA, provides expert legal representation for car accident victims, including hit and run cases, in Duluth and surrounding areas. Call 404-581-9100 or contact us here to schedule a consultation.